Out with the old and in with the new! Springtime is all about refreshing and revitalizing the world around us, so why not bring that into your home as well? Cleaning out your wardrobe is one of the most satisfying feelings, and it gives you the perfect chance to make better use of any old or outdated clothes and remember why you love that favorite blouse so much.
Photo: The Every Girl
Step 1:
Remove all of your clothing from drawers, shelves, and closets and lay everything out in a clean space.
Step 2:
Begin to go through everything, one item at a time, and ask yourself these questions before replacing:
- Does it fit?
- Is it in good condition? (no holes, rips, fading, stretching, etc.)
- Have I worn it in the past year?
- If I saw it in a store today, would I buy it?
OR
- Does it have *real* sentimental value? (We’re talking wedding dress value, not “wore it to a college theme party” value)
If you answered no to more than one of these questions, set it aside to be donated, sold, or tossed.
Step 3:
Refresh those garments that haven’t gotten much love in a while—wash using a gentle, Scent + Dye Free Detergent that protects and prolongs the life of your clothes. Visit our comprehensive Fabric Care Guide for tips on the best ways to wash and dry you favorite pieces.
Step 4:
Replace all of your clean clothes, folding jeans, sweaters, and t-shirts, and hanging blouses, dresses, pants, and easily-wrinkled items.
Use this handy Backwards Hanger Strategy to keep track of which clothes you wear (and which you don’t) for next time! Also, keep small items like undergarments, scarves, and socks organized with drawer dividers.
Step 5:
Head back to the clothes that you had set aside earlier and divide into two piles: Sell/Donate, and Toss.
When to Sell or Donate:
- Lightly worn garments
- Good condition (no holes, rips, fading, stretching, etc.)
- Not undergarments
When to Toss:
- Not in wearable condition
- Undergarments
Check out some of these wonderful organizations to donate your clothing to: Goodwill, Purple Heart, Dress for Success, Salvation Army, ThredUp, Schoola